Raising Backyard Chickens: A Guide to Getting Started – Costs, Time Requirements, Space Requirements and Popular Chicken Breeds

Keeping backyard chickens is a growing trend among homesteaders and urban farmers. Not only do chickens provide a steady supply of fresh eggs, but they also make great pets and can help to reduce your environmental footprint. However, getting started with backyard chickens can be overwhelming, especially for those who are new to raising chickens. In this article, we will provide an overview of what you need to know to get started with backyard chickens, including estimated costs, time requirements, and space requirements.

  1. Costs: One of the first things to consider when getting started with backyard chickens is the cost. The initial costs of starting a backyard chicken flock can vary depending on the size of your flock and the type of coop you choose. Some of the costs you will need to consider include:
  • Chickens: The cost of chickens can vary depending on the breed and the age of the birds. You can expect to pay around $10-$40 per mature bird depending on where you are located. Raising chicks can also be a cost-effective way to start a backyard chicken flock. The cost of chicks can vary depending on the breed and the hatchery, but on average, you can expect to pay around $3-$5 per chick. This is how we got our chickens.
  • Coop and run: A basic coop and run can cost around $300-$500, but the cost can be higher if you choose to build a larger or more elaborate coop. Another option to consider when planning your backyard chicken coop is the Justin Rhode’s Chickshaw design. This is a portable chicken coop that can be easily moved around your yard, allowing your chickens to forage and fertilize different areas of your garden.
  • Feed and bedding: Feed and bedding can cost around $25-$50 per month, depending on the size of your flock. A good rule of thumb is that chickens eat 1/4 a pound of food a day, each. Free range chickens will offset some of that by foraging, but I’d not recommend counting on that when doing your calculations. In our area, a 50lb bag of egg layer feed sells for $19.99, which is higher than historical averages. We currently have a flock of about 50 birds and go through about a bag a week. (Though we also give them some cracked corn as a winter treat and they’ve got a large pasture to forage.)
  1. Time requirements: Raising backyard chickens also requires a certain amount of time and effort. Some of the tasks you will need to perform on a regular basis include:
  • Feeding and watering: Chickens need to be fed and watered twice a day.
  • Cleaning: The coop and run need to be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent odors and parasites.
  • Egg collecting: Collecting eggs daily is essential to keep chickens healthy and to prevent eggs from getting dirty or broken.
  1. Space requirements: Another important consideration when getting started with backyard chickens is the amount of space you have available. Chickens need a coop for shelter and a run for exercise. The size of the coop and run will depend on the number of chickens you plan to keep. A general rule of thumb is to provide 2-3 square feet per bird in the coop and 8-10 square feet per bird in the run. Chickens also need access to grassy areas for foraging.
  2. Choosing the right breed: There are many different breeds of chickens to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Some breeds are better suited to urban environments and smaller spaces, while others are better suited to more rural environments. Some popular breeds for backyard chickens include:
  • Rhode Island Reds: These chickens are hardy and easy to care for. They are also known for their good egg production.
  • Plymouth Rocks: These chickens are friendly and easy to handle. They are also known for their good egg production.
  • Leghorns: These chickens are known for their good egg production and are also smaller in size, making them suitable for smaller spaces.
  • Buff Orpingtons: These chickens are known for their friendly and docile nature. They are also great layers of large brown eggs. They are cold hardy and good foragers which make them a great option for backyard flocks.
  • Sussex: These chickens are hardy and adaptable, making them great for backyard flocks. They come in a variety of colors and are known for their good egg production. They are also known for their friendly and docile nature.
  • Welsummers: These chickens are known for their rich, dark brown eggs. They are hardy and adaptable and make great backyard chickens. They are also relatively cold hardy and are good foragers.
  • Easter Eggers: These chickens are a crossbreed of different chicken breeds and lay eggs in a variety of colors including blue, green, and pink. They are known for their friendly and docile nature and are also great layers.
  • Plymouth Rocks: These chickens are friendly and easy to handle. They are also known for their good egg production. They come in different colors and are cold hardy.
  • Bantams: These are miniature versions of standard breeds and are great for smaller spaces. They are also known for their docile nature and good egg production.
  • When choosing a breed, it’s important to consider your climate, space and personal preferences. Some breeds are better suited to cold climates, others to hot climates, some are known for their docile nature, others for their hardiness, some are good layers and others are great foragers. It’s also important to research the breeds you’re interested in and to talk to other chicken keepers for their experience and suggestions.
  1. Legal considerations: Before getting started with backyard chickens, it is important to check with your local government to see if there are any laws or regulations that you need to comply with. Some cities have specific laws regarding the number of chickens that can be kept on a property, the size of the coop and run, and other regulations. It is important to familiarize yourself with these laws to avoid any legal issues.

Conclusion: Getting started with backyard chickens can seem daunting, but with a bit of planning and preparation, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. By understanding the costs, time requirements, and space requirements associated with raising chickens, you can make an informed decision about whether or not backyard chickens are right for you. Additionally, by researching and choosing the right breed for your space and lifestyle, you can ensure that you are getting chickens that will thrive in your backyard.
Raising backyard chickens can be a great way to produce fresh eggs, reduce your environmental footprint and even keep pests away. It is a great way to connect with nature, teach children about responsibility and provide a source of fresh food. As you move forward, you will learn to appreciate the benefits of having chickens, and you’ll likely find that the costs, time, and space requirements are well worth the rewards.

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